Get right next to nature

A. SERIES of spectacular nature reserves in the Somerset Levels can be more easily accessed without a car as part of a trial which runs until March 2026.

- DANIEL MUMBY Local democracy journalist [e-mail]

The Avalon Marshes Centre lies on Shapwick Road just outside Westhay, and provides a gateway to several national nature reserves (NNRs), including Shapwick Heath, Shapwick Moor and Westhay Moor.

‘The Avalon and Poldens local community network (LCN) recently launched the ‘Step, Ride, Thrive’ initiative to improve transport links between the nature reserves and local communities. The initiative will see the local 668 bus service (run by Libra Travel) call directly at the visitors’ centre until March 2026, as well as providing support for local cyclists and schools to encourage active travel.

‘This project comes as Natural England prepares to feature Westhay Moor in a series of films (produced with the University of Exeter) about conservation across the south west, encouraging people to get involved in the protection and enhancement of these landscapes.

The Avalon and Poldens LCN brings together 23 town and parish councils east of Bridgwater (including Street Parish Council and Glastonbury Town Council), along with a range of voluntary organisations and community groups.

‘The ‘Step, Ride, Thrive’ initiative has been made possible through a grant of £35,000 provided by the Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC) through its community health and well-being fund. The initiative seeks to “promote healthier lifestyles, reduce social isolation, and strengthen the connection between people and nature through better transport options” - in light of 31 per cent of LCN residents being without a car.

‘There are three key prongs to the initiative: